Time capsule buried to mark Phoenix Avenue’s future

Anna Holloway helps bury a time capsule at the new Phoenix Avenue. It will be dug up in 2068 Picture: STEWART TURKINGTON www.stphotos.co.uk

FORMER Eustace Crescent residents joined with members of Wokingham Borough Council staff and representatives from Wokingham Housing (WHL) and Berry Brook Homes to bury a time capsule in Phoenix Avenue, marking the end of era and the beginning of a new.

The capsule, which will be opened in 50 years time, aims to give Wokingham residents of 2068 an idea what life was like in the first quarter of the 21st century.

Its position is marked by a commemorative plaque, which will also give the residents of tomorrow a chance to find the capsule in years to come.

The original idea of burying the time capsule came from the Norrey’s Community Association, saying that it was the perfect way to share memories of the Eustace Crescent estate as well as giving a glimpse of the strong community that surrounded it.

Anna Holloway – who was heavily involved in the community consultation for the regeneration of Phoenix Avenue and is still an active member of the Norreys community – was given the honour of laying the time capsule that contained photographs, former residents’ written memories, Wokingham Paper clippings and a documented account of the Phoenix Avenue build.

She said: “Eustace Crescent meant a lot to the local community and even after the regeneration has taken place it was important to us all to make sure that it is remembered.”

And Cllr David Chopping – chairman of the Berry Brook Homes Board, the landlord for the new homes at Phoenix Avenue – spoke at the event.

He said: “When Eustace Crescent was first built, it was lauded as an innovative scheme, and developed a real community spirit; unfortunately though the flats did not stand the test of time.

“Through a lot of hard work and determination we got to here, the completion of Phoenix Avenue, but we are nothing without the past that came before us.

“To the generation of 2068 I hope that the contents of the time capsule relay the sense of pride and community spirit we all feel.”